Bill aims to put God back in Arizona classrooms

Teachers in Arizona could soon be allowed to place the phrase “God Enriches” inside of their classrooms. According to text from SB 1289, it would enable a teacher or administrator in any school in Arizona to read or post in any school building copies or excerpts of the following materials:

The national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”

The national anthem

The pledge of allegiance

The preamble to the constitution of this state

The declaration of independence

The Mayflower compact

Writings, speeches, documents and proclamations of the founding fathers and the presidents of the United States

Published decisions of the United States supreme court

Acts of the United States Congress

THE STATE MOTTO “DITAT DEUS”, WHICH MEANS “GOD ENRICHES”

Although the state Senate along with the Republicans on the Education Committee approved the bill; it still requires endorsement of the full House before it gets passed. Tory Roberg, lobbyist for the Secular Coalition for Arizona, is objecting the bill and told lawmakers: “The English translation of the motto is not the Arizona state motto. We’re talking about allowing teachers to put a sign on the wall with the words ‘God enriches’ with no explanation.”

Rep. Rusty Bowers, R-Mesa, doesn’t consider the words to be intolerant. “All it would say to someone who believed is there might be some power, any power, as they wish to identify it,” he said.

Sonoran News was founded in 1995 as a community watchdog. The paper has remained true to its mission: It is dedicated to exposing corrupt and unethical local, county, state and national business and political practices.